Assemblyman Marc W. Butler (R,I,C – Newport) and his Assembly Minority colleagues today joined thousands of sportsmen and outdoors enthusiasts from across the state at the first annual Sportsmen & Outdoor Recreation Legislative Awareness Day.

“Today was all about talking to sportsmen from throughout my district to hear their concerns in regards to anti-gun legislation. As my Assembly District is home to Remington Arms, one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating manufacturers, I have an increased interest in protecting our second amendment rights,” said Butler.

The keynote speaker at the event was National Rifle Association (NRA) CEO & Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre, who delivered a speech which encouraged sportsmen to get involved in state government and fight for their second amendment rights.

“I would like to echo Mr. LaPierre’s sentiments and encourage sportsmen to get involved and show New York state that they are the backbone of our economy and they, as law-abiding citizens, will not stand by while their rights are whittled away by downstate politicians,” concluded Butler.

Other guests at today’s event included Tom King, President of the NYS Rifle and Pistol Association; Ken Mathison, President of SCOPE; Larry Rudolph, President of the Safari Club International; James A. Rabbia, Plant Manager for Remington Arms; New York Bowhunters; Springville Field and Stream Club; Deer Search Inc.; Suffolk Alliance of Sportsmen; NYS Conservation Council; Whitetails Unlimited; NYS Trappers Association; West Albany Rod and Gun Club; Deer and Elks Association; Quality Deer Management Association; Mid-Hudson Valley Fur Harvesters; Sullivan County Longbeards; 4-H; Sporting Dog Trainers Alliance; North Country ATV Association; Capital District Fly Fishers; Greene County Federation of Sportsmen; Sportsman's Alliance for Firearms Education; and New York Houndsmen Conservation Association.